[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 20 (Monday, May 17, 2004)]
[Pages 844-845]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7782--National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, 2004

 May 7, 2004

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Physical fitness is an integral part of a healthy life and a healthy 
America. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month provides an 
opportunity for all Americans to learn more about the benefits of 
exercise and sports and to make being physically active part of their 
everyday lives.
    Regular physical activity builds strength and aerobic fitness, 
provides motivation, promotes relaxation, and facilitates sleep for 
people of all ages and abilities. Regular exercise--in some cases, 
simply walking for half an hour--can help reduce the risk of many 
serious health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes. By 
participating in sports, individuals also learn teamwork, discipline, 
and how to accept victory and defeat with grace. These important lessons 
help build good character and teach strong values.
    My Administration has recommended a few simple steps to achieve 
better health and fitness. Our HealthierUS Initiative promotes daily 
physical activity, healthy diets, and preventative screenings. It also 
encourages people to avoid tobacco and drugs, and to make responsible 
choices about alcohol. Across our country, people are making physical 
activity part of their daily lives by participating in the President's 
Challenge, a fitness program that helps them track weekly fitness 
activities and rewards them for reaching defined fitness goals.
    As we observe National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, I urge 
adults and children to participate in regular physical activity. I 
encourage parents to make family time active, and I call on Americans to 
help motivate their friends to have an active lifestyle. By exercising 
regularly and participating in sports, we can improve our health, set a 
positive example for our children, and help build a stronger future for 
our country.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2004 as National 
Physical Fitness and Sports Month. I call upon the people of the United 
States to recognize the importance of daily physical activity and sports 
for all our citizens, and to make fitness a part of daily life. I also 
call on all Americans to celebrate this month with appropriate 
ceremonies, activities, and programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the

[[Page 845]]

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.

                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 11, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 12. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.